Dorset councils agree to investigate county-wide merger

The proposed merger of four councils in east Dorset would serve 487,000 residents

Local authorities in Dorset have agreed to investigate the possibility of joining a county-wide "super council".

Dorset County Council and Christchurch Borough Council will explore options, including forming an alliance with Bournemouth, East Dorset and Poole.

On Monday, East Dorset District Council (EDDC) - which is already in partnership with Christchurch - voted against any change.

The county council's cabinet also met and agreed to investigate all options.

It will meet again to debate the issue at a meeting of the full council in March 2016.

On Monday, EDDC leader Ian Monks resigned ahead of a vote on the issue. The full council voted 20 to eight to reject the merger.

Opposition councillors in Poole have called for a referendum on the plans.